Abstract Gems & Gemology, Summer 2013, Volume 49, No. 2

Adventures in Yakutia: On the Track of the Diamonds


This article starts with a brief history of Yakutian diamond production, from Mikhail V. Lomonosov’s theory of diamond deposits in 1761 to the discovery of the first kimberlites in 1954 to present-day operations. The bulk of the article then presents information the authors gathered during two visits to Yakutia, focusing on Mirny.

The report contains a map and a list of data on the most important mines. It is lavishly illustrated with images of Mirny—the mine, the town, the museum—and impressive diamond specimens.

Abstracted by Rolf Tatje